Reusable Ceramic Nasal Irrigation Device with Plunger Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plastic nasal irrigation bottles are disposable, pose health risks due to chemical leaching, and are environmentally unfriendly, necessitating a non-plastic, non-disposable, and environmentally friendly alternative.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispensing device comprising a non-plastic, cylindrical container made of safe materials like ceramic, glass, or plant-based plastics, with a main body subsystem, operation subsystem, and nozzle, allowing for secure insertion and removal, and controlled liquid flow through a plunger mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic bottles are used for nasal irrigation, then the device is easy to manufacture and inexpensive, but it causes health risks due to chemical leaching and is environmentally unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to glass or ceramic, which fundamentally alters the chemical composition to eliminate chemical leaching while maintaining the functional integrity of the container for nasal irrigation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining glass or ceramic container body with plastic components only where necessary for functionality (such as the nozzle or cap), creating a hybrid structure that eliminates harmful plastic chemical leaching while preserving ease of manufacture and functional performance
2Ease of operation
If plastic bottles are used for nasal irrigation, then the device is simple and easy to use, but it must be discarded after a short period causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recovery strategy by designing the container to be reusable and recyclable. The glass or ceramic material is selected specifically for its durability and recyclability, allowing the container to be recovered and reused multiple times, thereby eliminating the waste generation associated with disposable plastic bottles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the service life of the container beyond the typical three-month disposal period by using durable glass or ceramic materials that can withstand repeated use, cleaning, and sterilization, thereby reducing the frequency of replacement and waste generation
3Ease of operation
If plastic bottles are used for nasal irrigation, then the container is flexible and easy to squeeze, but it frays and degrades over time requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from flexible plastic to rigid glass or ceramic, which fundamentally alters the structural stability to prevent fraying and degradation while maintaining operational ease through the rigid plunger mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical squeezing action of flexible plastic with a rigid plunger mechanism. The plunger disc pushes liquid through the container's rigid structure, replacing the need for flexible material deformation and eliminating the fraying and degradation problems inherent in plastic squeeze bottles
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides a health-safe, non-disposable, and environmentally friendly solution for nasal irrigation, allowing for controlled liquid dispensing without the drawbacks of plastic bottles, ensuring user safety and reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
When the button is pushed down, the plunger disc being connected by the rod is also pushed down into the container
Implementation Method 2
the plunger disc is of a shape and size to substantially fit and to slide through the inner wall of the container in a liquid-tight manner when the plunger disc is pushed into the container
Implementation Method 3
The top end of the container has a thread on the outside so it can be threaded onto the main body subsystem
Implementation Method 4
The lid has a first thread on the inside of the lid matching a thread on the outside of the container allowing the lid to be threaded onto the container
Implementation Method 5
The nozzle has a thread on the inside of the head for it to be threaded onto the neck of the lid
Implementation Method 6
A spring is held inside the spring holding structure. When the container is inserted into the main body subsystem, the springs hold the container on the base securely
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a liquid dispensing device made of non-plastic material for its use to squirt liquid through a nozzle of the device. The non-disposable device is an environmentally friendly and health safe alternative to conventional plastic bottles used by millions of people suffering from allergies for nasal irrigation. The device comprises a main body structure including a plunger disc, a push button operation mechanism, a container, and a nozzle. The container is detachable from the main body so it can be filled with water and warmed up in a microwave oven. When the button is pushed to plunge the disc into the container, warm water is squirted through the nozzle into a nasal opening.